Child and adolescent health in rural and remote Australia: position paper

Much of the pattern of health and well being for an individual is determined by the health of their mother during pregnancy and in their infancy. As an organisation working to improve the health of people in rural and remote Australia, the National Rural Health Alliance is concerned with the health of children in country areas. The aim of this paper is to lead to a greater commitment in meeting the needs of children in rural and remote areas by looking at the health status of Australian children in general and Indigenous children and children in rural and remote areas in particular. An overview is provided of the principles of a good child health service, lifestyle and the need for early intervention, health promotion, education, and ready access to information.